Stanley Center for Peace and Security

The Stanley Center for Peace and Security was founded in 1956 by C. Maxwell “Max” and Elizabeth M. “Betty” Stanley. Max was a professional engineer and businessman. Betty was a devoted philanthropist and avid supporter of the arts, education, and the environment. They both had a deep interest in world peace and security.

The Stanley family intentionally based the centre in Muscatine, Iowa – home to Max Stanley’s two global companies, which still exist today. Our location provides a valuable vantage point from which to conduct global operations while also ensuring we continue the Stanley family’s commitment to local programming that helps our fellow Iowans grow as involved, educated global citizens.

To support long-held belief that independent journalism is a critical part of strong global governance, the Stanley Center creates a range of programs tailored for members of the media, often in collaboration with partner organizations. These journalism and media programs – hosted around the world – focus on 3 specific issue areas: climate change, nuclear weapons, and mass violence and atrocities.

Each year, the Stanley Center organizes 7–10 workshops, reporting fellowships, investigative reporting projects, story labs, and other programs. In all these efforts, we uphold and respect the processes and principles of a free and independent press. By providing access to information, tools, and training, they aim to help journalists produce reporting that is fact based and impactful – and that tells the important and often difficult stories they believe the world needs to hear.

Since its founding more than 60 years ago, the Stanley Center has addressed global challenges that present a profound threat to human survival and well-being. But as the world has changed, so has the focus of its work and strategic approach for deciding what goals to pursue.

The Stanley Center for Peace and Security programs for journalists, editors, and other media producers enable rigorous and independent reporting on issues related to global peace and security. Read more here.

Country registered in: United States